Intangible heritage

Definition

Intangible heritage refers to the non-physical aspects of cultural heritage, including traditions, customs, language, performing arts, rituals, and knowledge that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity. This type of heritage plays a vital role in maintaining community identity and social cohesion, influencing how people connect with their history and each other.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intangible heritage is recognized by UNESCO as essential for the sustainability of cultural diversity and is protected under the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2. Examples of intangible heritage include oral traditions, traditional crafts, festive events, and rituals that are passed down through generations.
3. Unlike tangible cultural heritage, such as monuments or artifacts, intangible heritage focuses on living expressions that evolve over time.
4. The safeguarding of intangible heritage often involves community participation to ensure that the practices remain relevant and are transmitted to future generations.
5. Repatriation issues related to intangible heritage may involve discussions on ownership and control over cultural expressions that have been shared or commercialized without consent.

Review Questions

• How does intangible heritage contribute to cultural identity and community cohesion?
  • Intangible heritage plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity by embodying the traditions, practices, and values that define a community. This shared heritage fosters a sense of belonging among individuals and strengthens social bonds. When people engage in activities related to their intangible heritage, they connect with their ancestors' histories and maintain continuity in their cultural expressions, which ultimately enhances community cohesion.
• What are some challenges associated with safeguarding intangible heritage in contemporary society?
  • Safeguarding intangible heritage faces several challenges today, including globalization, which can lead to the dilution or commodification of traditional practices. Additionally, rapid urbanization often disrupts the transmission of these practices as younger generations migrate to urban areas. There may also be issues related to intellectual property rights when cultural expressions are appropriated or commercialized without proper consent from originating communities. Ensuring active participation from communities in the preservation process is essential for addressing these challenges.
• Evaluate the implications of repatriation on the preservation of intangible heritage in relation to local communities.
  • Repatriation can significantly impact the preservation of intangible heritage by restoring control over cultural expressions to local communities. This process allows communities to reclaim their traditions and practices that may have been misappropriated or marginalized. Furthermore, successful repatriation emphasizes the importance of community involvement in safeguarding their intangible heritage. However, it also raises questions about how these practices can be maintained in a modern context while respecting their historical significance, thus requiring a balance between tradition and contemporary relevance.

Related terms

Cultural expressions: Forms of creativity and expression that reflect the cultural identity of a community, such as music, dance, storytelling, and art.

Traditional knowledge: Knowledge systems and practices developed and sustained by a community over generations, often related to agriculture, medicine, and ecology.

Cultural sustainability: The ability to maintain and protect cultural practices and expressions over time while adapting to changing social and environmental conditions.